Floribunda rose plant named &#39;KORgeriora&#39;

ABSTRACT

‘KORgeriora’ is a new and distinct variety of  Rosa hybrida  which is characterized by the combination of an upright to bushy growth habit, moderate plant vigor, excellent resistance to powdery mildew and black spot disease, and panicles of one to eight very-double orange flowers with a light floral fragrance. The new variety propagates successfully by stem cuttings and grafting and has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Latin name of genus and species: The Latin name of the genus and speciesof the novel variety disclosed herein is Rosa hybrida.

Variety denomination: The inventive variety of Rosa hybrida disclosedherein has been given the variety denomination ‘KORgeriora’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parentage: The Rosa hybrida variety ‘KORgeriora’ is the result of acontrolled cross-pollination breeding program carried out by theinventor in Klein Offenseth-Sparrieshoop, Germany. The objective of thesaid breeding program was to create a new and distinct rose plant withunique qualities, such as:

-   -   1. Uniform growth and flowering; and    -   2. Abundant, recurrent orange flowers; and    -   3. Attractive and abundant foliage; and    -   4. Resistance to diseases encountered in landscapes and gardens.

This combination of qualities is not present in prior rose cultivarsknown to the inventor. These objectives have been substantially achievedand in that distinguish ‘KORgeriora’ from all other varieties known tothe inventor.

‘KORgeriora’ is a seedling selection which resulted from the controlledpollination of Rosa hybrida ‘KORaruli’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,352), theseed parent, and Rosa hybrida ‘KORfocgri’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,353),the pollen parent, during the summer of 2006. As part of a rosedevelopment program, Tim-Hermann Kordes germinated seeds from theaforementioned hybridization during the following winter and conductedevaluations and observations on the resulting seedlings in a controlledenvironment in Klein Offenseth-Sparrieshoop, Germany. The resultingseedlings exhibited distinctive physical and biological characteristics.The new rose plant was selected as a single plant in May of 2007 fromthe seedling beds due to its superior characteristics and asexuallypropagated for further evaluation. This new and distinctive rose varietywas given the name ‘KORgeriora’.

Asexual Reproduction: ‘KORgeriora’ was first asexually propagated by budgrafting in July of 2007 at the inventor's nursery in KleinOffenseth-Sparrieshoop, Germany. Subsequently, ‘KORgeriora’ has beensuccessfully propagated by stem cuttings and bud grafting in JacksonCounty, Oreg. These initial and other subsequent propagations conductedin controlled environments demonstrate that ‘KORgeriora’ reproduces trueto type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following characteristics have been repeatedly observed andrepresent the distinguishing characteristics of the new Rosa hybridacultivar ‘KORgeriora’. These traits, in combination, distinguish‘KORgeriora’ as a new and distinct cultivar.

-   -   1. Rosa hybrida ‘KORgeriora’ exhibits a moderately vigorous        growth rate; and    -   2. Rosa hybrida ‘KORgeriora’ exhibits an upright to bushy growth        habit; and    -   3. Rosa hybrida ‘KORgeriora’ exhibits panicles bearing one to        eight orange flowers; and    -   4. Rosa hybrida ‘KORgeriora’ exhibits large, very-double flowers        with a light floral fragrance; and    -   5. Rosa hybrida ‘KORgeriora’ exhibits excellent resistance to        powdery mildew and black spot diseases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying color drawing shows as true as is reasonably possibleto obtain in color photographs of this type, the typical characteristicsof the buds, sepals, reproductive organs, flowers, leaves, prickles, andstems of ‘KORgeriora’, taken from a one year old plant.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed botanical description of a new and distinctvariety of Rosa hybrida known as ‘KORgeriora’, based upon observationsmade in August of 2016 of one year old, field-grown plants in JacksonCounty, Oreg. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certaincharacteristics will vary with older or, conversely, with youngerplants. ‘KORgeriora’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. Where dimensions, sizes, colors and othercharacteristics are given, it is to be understood that suchcharacteristics are approximations or averages set forth as accuratelyas practicable. The phenotype of the variety may differ from thedescriptions set forth herein with variations in environmental, climaticand cultural conditions. Color notations are based on The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart, The Royal Horticultural Society,London, 2001 edition except where common terms of color are used.

A botanical description of ‘KORgeriora’ and comparisons with the parentsand closest known comparator variety of Rosa hybrida are provided below.

-   General plant description:    -   -   Growth rate.—Moderately vigorous.        -   Growth habit.—Upright to bushy.        -   Mature dimensions.—70 cm tall and 50 cm wide, on average.        -   Cold hardiness.—Grown successfully in USDA Hardiness Zones            5.        -   Propagation.—Stem cuttings and bud grafting.        -   Disease resistance.—Excellent resistance to powdery mildew            (Sphaerotheca pannosa) and blackspot (Diplocarpon rosae)            diseases under normal growing conditions in Jackson County,            Oreg.-   Root system:    -   -   Type.—Fibrous root system.        -   Branching.—Moderately branched.        -   Density.—Moderately dense.        -   Distribution.—Roots distributed evenly throughout the soil            profile, from shallow to deep.-   Stems:    -   -   Stem color.—Young stems are Yellow-Green Group 146B; mature            stems are Yellow-Green Group 146B.        -   Anthocyanin intonations.—Intonations of Greyed-Purple Group            183D are present on young stems.        -   Stem surface texture.—Both young stems and mature stems are            smooth.        -   Stem dimensions.—Typical mature stems are approximately 400            mm long and 8.0 mm in diameter.        -   Prickles.—Incidence — Typically 7 prickles per 10 cm of            stem. Size — Average length is 5.0 mm long. Immature prickle            color — Greyed-Orange Group 165A. Mature prickle color —            Greyed-Orange Group 166C. Anthocyanin intonations —            Intonations of Greyed-Orange Group 176B present on immature            prickles. Shape — Concave. Texture — Smooth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Arrangement.—Imparipinnate compound leaves; mature axillary            leaves consisting of 7 leaflets.        -   Attachment.—Petiolate.        -   Dimensions.—140 mm long and 100 mm wide.        -   Abundance.—Average; approximately 70 leaves.        -   Stipules.—Size — 10 mm long and 4.0 mm wide. Stipule color —            Yellow-Green Group 146C. Anthocyanin intonations —            Intonations of Greyed-Red Group 184C are present on both            surfaces of the juvenile stipules. Stipitate glands — A            limited number of stipitate glands are present on the            abaxial surface; abundant along the margins. Margins —            Serrulate, with stipitate glands. Texture, adaxial surfaces            — Glabrous. Texture, abaxial surfaces — Rugose. Apex —            Apiculate. Base — Flat.        -   Petiole.—Length — Average 6.0 mm. Diameter — Average 2.0 mm.            Petiole color, adaxial surface — Yellow-Green Group 146C.            Petiole color, abaxial surface — Yellow-Green Group 146B.            Anthocyanin intonations — Intonations of Greyed-Red Group            181C are present on both surfaces of the juvenile foliage.            Margins — Without stipitate glands. Prickles — One prickle            is present. Stipitate glands — Very occasional on the            abaxial surface only. Texture — Glabrous. Strength —            Moderately strong.        -   Rachis.—Length — Average of 15 mm. Diameter — Average            1.5 mm. Color — Yellow-Green Group 146A. Anthocyanin            intonations — Greyed-Purple Group 185B. Margins — With the            occasional stipitate gland. Prickles — A few small prickles            underneath. Stipitate glands — A limited number of stipitate            glands are present. Texture — Glabrous.        -   Leaflets.—Dimensions — Average size of the terminal leaflet            is 50 mm long and 30 mm wide. Shape — Ovate. Apex — Acute.            Base — Obtuse. Margins — Finely serrated; slightly            undulated. Luster, texture and pubescence; adaxial surface —            Semi-glossy, smooth and glabrous. Luster, texture and            pubescence; abaxial surface — Matte, leathery and glabrous.            Juvenile foliage color, adaxial surface — Yellow-Green Group            146A. Juvenile foliage color, abaxial surface — Yellow-Green            Group 146D. Mature foliage color, adaxial surface — Green            Group 137A. Mature foliage color, abaxial surface —            Yellow-Green Group 146B. Anthocyanin intonations — In            juvenile foliage, intonations of Greyed-Purple Group 177A to            177C are present throughout the adaxial and abaxial            surfaces. Venation — Reticulate. Petiolule — Dimensions —            3.0 mm long and 1.0 mm in diameter. Petiolule color, adaxial            surface — Green Group 137A. Petiolule color, abaxial surface            — Yellow-Green Group 146C. Prickles — A few small prickles            are present. Texture, adaxial surface — Leathery; pubescent.            Texture, abaxial surface — Smooth. Margins — With a moderate            number of stipitate glands present on the upper margin.-   Inflorescence:    -   -   Inflorescence type.—Panicles with 1 to 8 flower buds.            Flowers are held upright.        -   Blooming habit.—Recurrent; floriferous.        -   Size.—90 mm tall and 130 mm wide, on average.        -   Peduncle.—Length — 50 to 70 mm average length. Diameter —            3.0 to 4.0 mm average diameter. Color — Yellow-Green Group            146C. Anthocyanin intonations — None present. Strength —            Strong. Texture and pubescence — Glabrous.-   Flowering laterals — Present below the initiation of inflorescence.    Generally 1 to 2 flowering laterals are present, with 1 to 3 flowers    per flowering shoot.-   Bud:    -   -   Bud form.—Short; globular.        -   Size.—Upon opening, 25 mm in length from base of receptacle            to distal end of bud and 20 mm diameter at its widest point.        -   Texture.—Smooth.        -   Color, as sepals first unfold.—Orange-Red Group N30C.        -   Color when one-quarter open, inner side.—Orange-Red Group            N30A.        -   Color when one-quarter open, outer side.—Orange-Red Group            N30A.-   Flower:    -   -   Pedicel.—Length — 25 to 50 mm average length. Diameter — 2.0            to 3.0 mm average diameter. Color — Yellow-Green Group 146B.            Anthocyanin intonations — Greyed-Purple Group 183C to 183D.            Strength — Moderately strong, Texture and pubescence —            Smooth and glabrous.        -   Calyx.—General — Comprised of five polysepalous sepals, with            strong foliaceous appendages present on three of the five            sepals. Diameter of calyx — 60 to 65 mm, at anthesis. Sepals            — Color, upper surface — Green Group 138B. Color, lower            surface — Green Group 138A. Anthocyanin intonations —            Intonations of Greyed-Purple Group 183C are present on the            lower surface. Size — Varied; 25 to 40 mm and 8 to 10 mm            wide, on average. Apex — Cirrose to apiculate. Base — Flat            at union with receptacle. Quantity — Five. Upper surface —            Pubescent. Lower surface — Smooth to slightly coriaceous.            Margins — With a moderate number of stipitate glands. Some            sepals are slightly pubescent at the margins. Stipitate            glands — A limited number of stipitate glands are present on            the lower surface of a few sepals.        -   Corolla.—Habit; type — Very-double. General shape of corolla            — Open cup; shallow. Shape of corolla when viewed from the            side — Upon opening, upper portion — Convex. Upon opening,            lower portion — Flat. Open flower, upper portion — Flattened            convex. Open flower, lower portion — Flat. Dimensions —            Large size for a floribunda rose. When open, the average            flower diameter is 75 to 80 mm and the average flower height            is 35 mm. Fragrance — Light floral fragrance. Duration — On            the plant for 5 to 6 days. Senesced petals drop away            cleanly. Petals — Petal count — Exhibits very double flowers            with more than 125 petals under normal conditions. Petal            reflex — Petals are somewhat reflexed. Timing of petal            reflex — Simultaneous. Petal margin — Entire. Petal shape —            Obovate. Apex — Obtuse. Base — Cuneate. Dimensions — 18 to            25 mm long and 12 to 25 mm wide. Texture, inner surface —            Smooth. Texture, outer surface — Smooth. Petal color, upon            opening — Outermost petals, inner surface — Orange-Red Group            N30A. Outermost petals, outer surface — Red Group 37A.            Innermost petals, inner surface — Orange-Red Group N30A.            Innermost petals, outer surface — Orange-Red Group N30B.            Basal petal spots, upon opening — Outermost petals — Color,            inner surface — Green-Yellow Group 1B. Color, outer surface            — Green-Yellow Group 1A. Dimensions — 4.0 mm wide and 5.0 mm            tall. Innermost petals — Color, inner surface — Green-Yellow            Group 2B. Color, outer surface — Green-Yellow Group 2B.            Dimensions — 4.0 mm wide and 5.0 mm tall. Petal color, after            opening — Outermost petals, inner surface — Red Group 41B.            Outermost petals, outer surface — Red Group 41D. Innermost            petals, inner surface — Red Group 40D. Innermost petals,            outer surface — Orange-Red Group 33C. Basal petal spots,            after opening — Outermost petals — Color, inner surface —            Yellow Group 3C. Color, outer surface — Yellow Group 2C.            Dimensions — 6.0 mm wide and 5.0 mm tall. Innermost petals —            Color, inner surface — Yellow Group 2B. Color, outer surface            — Yellow Group 2C. Dimensions — 4.0 mm wide and 5.0 mm tall.            General Tonality — On open flower, Red Group 40B. No change            in general tonality at the end of the fourth day; thereafter            the general tonality is Red Group 41C. Petaloids — Quantity            — Approximately 40 petaloids per flower, on average.            Dimensions — Approximately 5.0 to 17 mm long and 3.0 to 5.0            mm wide. Color, inner surface — Orange-Red Group 32A. Color,            outer surface — Orange-Red Group 32A. Margins — Very            irregular; entire to undulated to indented to folded. Shape            — Irregular; obovate to lanceolate to oblanceolate. Apex —            Acute to obtuse. Base — Cuneate to attenuate. Texture, inner            and outer surfaces — Smooth.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Stamens.—Quantity — Approximately 50, on average, and            regularly arranged around the styles. Anthers — Shape —            Reniform. Dimensions — 2.0 mm long and 1.0 mm wide, on            average. Color — Greyed-Orange Group N167A. Pollen —            Present; moderately abundant. Color is Greyed-Orange Group            175B. Filaments — Color — Yellow Group 12A. Length — 5.0 mm.        -   Pistils.—Quantity — Average; approximately 24. Stigmas —            Size — 2.0 mm. Location — Inferior in position to anthers.            Color — Yellow Group 1B. Styles — Length — Approximately 4.0            mm long. Color — Yellow-White Group 158C, with intonations            of Greyed-Red Group 179D.        -   Ovary.—Dimensions — 7.0 mm long and 4.0 mm in diameter.            Color — White Group 155A.        -   Receptacle.—Shape — Urn-shaped. Dimensions — Approximately            8.0 mm high and 7.0 mm wide. Surface texture and pubescence            — Smooth and glabrous. Color — Yellow-Green Group 146B.            Anthocyanin intonations — Greyed-Purple Group 183B.-   Hips and seed formation: Not observed.

COMPARISONS WITH THE PARENTS

The new rose plant may be distinguished from its seed parent, Rosahybrida ‘KORaruli’, by the characteristics described in Chart 1.

CHART 1 Characteristic ‘KORgeriora’ ‘KORaruli’ Growth habit. Upright tobushy. Upright. Flower color. Orange. Yellow. Bud form. Short; globular.Long; high-centered.

The new rose plant may be distinguished from its pollen parent, Rosahybrida ‘KORfocgri’, by the characteristics described in Chart 2.

CHART 2 Characteristic ‘KORgeriora’ ‘KORfocgri’ Foliage. Dark green;glossy. Green; very glossy. Flower color. Orange. Salmon-orange,suffused with yellow. Flower type; petal count. Very double. Double.

COMPARISON WITH THE MOST SIMILAR ROSA CULTIVAR KNOWN TO THE INVENTOR

For a comparison, several physical characteristics of the Rosa hybridacultivar ‘KORfloci109’, a rose cultivar from the same inventor, forwhich a U.S. patent application was filed on Aug. 19, 2016, are comparedto ‘KORgeriora’ in Chart 3.

CHART 3 Characteristic ‘KORgeriora’ ‘KORfloci109’ Growth habit. Uprightto bushy. Compact. General tonality of the Red Group 40B. Orange-RedGroup 32B. open flower. Flower type; petal count. More than 125. 75.

That which is claimed:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant named‘KORgeriora’, as described and illustrated herein.